Eve stood staring at her, amazed.
“Well...” Lila said in her defense. “After her dream, I got to wondering... why wouldn’t Mom remember being here? I heard her telling you about her dream...” Her brow furrowed. “It seemed odd to me that she’d fixate more on her dog and father than a man trying to abduct her.”
Eve’s amazement at the young woman intensified. “So you were eavesdropping?”
“No,” Lila said, then shrugged. “Okay, maybe… yes… But in my defense, you both left your doors open, and the head of my bed touches the same wall the head of your bed does...”
“True,” Eve stated. “But I thought you were asleep.”
“I was,” Lila told her. “But like you did when you went through to your room, Mom also stopped to pull my blanket up and kiss me. You know I’m a light sleeper, and that wakes me.”
“I know,” Eve said with a smile. Lila had complained about that many times in her young life. “Now go get dressed so we can get some breakfast and find a way to get Brian to take us to Circle Pond.”
“Let’s just ask him,” Lila suggested. Then she disappeared into her room.
The dining room was busier than the previous morning, tables filled with guests enjoying breakfast before heading out for their day’s adventures.
Brian appeared almost immediately, his face lighting when he saw Lila.
“Good morning,” he said, setting menus in front of them. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Coffee for me,” Eve said. “And apple juice for Lila.”
“Coming right up.” Brian disappeared as quickly as he’d appeared.
They ordered breakfast, and when Brian returned with their drinks, Lila leaned forward with a smile. “Brian, what time do you finish your shift today?”
He blinked, surprised. “Around ten. Why?”
“Would you like a ride home?” Lila asked. “My Aunt and I want to get a look around Circle Pond, and since you live there, maybe you could show us around?”
Brian’s face went from surprised to delighted in the space of a heartbeat. “Really? That would be great. I usually walk, or my grandfather picks me up, but he’s at the fair today as it’s my grandmother’s day off.”
“Perfect,” Lila said. “We’ll wait for you.”
It was easier than Eve had expected. Now she just had to make sure William wasn’t around to find them there. “Now we just have to ensure William isn’t home.”
Lila pulled out her phone and dialed. “Uncle William?” she said when he answered. “Hi, it’s Lila... Yes, we’re good... Hey, do you know where Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is?”
Eve watched as Lila listened, nodding along.
“Oh, it’s a well-known spot? That’s good... Mom went there with Nolan this morning to learn about nature photography... Really? That’s a relief... What are you up to today?”
Another pause.
“Oh no, the flu? That’s terrible... Are you going to be at the store all day? That sounds exhausting... Do you want me to come help?” Lila asked sweetly.
Eve held her breath while she wondered how many times Lila had manipulated her or Mia with her very convincing act she was currently putting on for William.
“Are you sure? Okay, well, maybe we’ll stop by for hot chocolate later then... Okay, have a good day... Love you too.” Lila hung up and looked at Eve with satisfaction. “He’s stuck at Moore’s Treasures and Treats all day. His store manager is out with the flu, and he’s got a new consignment coming in that he has to inventory and price.”
Eve had to admire Lila’s commitment to their little side project investigation.
Later that morning, Brian climbed into the back seat of the SUV, his backpack slung over one shoulder, his face still slightly flushed from hurrying.
“Thanks so much for this,” he said. “My grandmother is going to be thrilled. She loves having guests, and she was so relieved that I had a lift.”
“We’re happy to,” Eve said, pulling out of the Inn’s parking lot.
